The pros and cons of Bears second-round OL Cody Whitehair

The second round of the 2016 NFL Draft was very interesting for the Chicago Bears. The team originally was slated to pick 41st overall but they traded down with the Buffalo Bills to 49th overall, gaining an two extra 4th-round picks (117th overall in 2016 and a 2017 4th round pick). They then missed out on rumored target OT Jason Spriggs, as the Green Bay Packers moved up one pick in front of them to take him.

The Bears then traded out of their pick again, while sending the 49th overall pick to the Seattle Seahawks for the 56th overall pick, while gaining yet another 4th round pick (124th overall).

Finally, the Bears took offensive lineman Cody Whitehair out of Kansas State with the 56th overall pick in the second round.

Whitehair has played all over the Kansas State offensive line, while starting at right tackle, moving to right guard, playing left guard and then moving to left tackle the past two years.

He's best fit as either a guard or center in the NFL, although where he play in Chicago's offensive line remains to be seen.

Pros

Four-year starter with a ton of versatility. Possesses good height and overall balance. Very fluid mover with the ability to effectively get to the second level. Although he has short arms (32 3/8 inches), he has huge hands and possesses a good overall base. Consistent hand placement and power off the ball.

Cons

Arm length not ideal for an NFL-caliber offensive tackle, which is why he'll likely have to slide inside. Caught lunging more often than most like and may have a maxed out frame. May be limited to an inside role at the next level due to overall bulk and arm length.

Overall

Outside of wondering what the team will do with Matt Slauson and Hroniss Grasu, this is a good pick. Offensive lineman in general are not sexy picks but the Bears made a conscious effort to improve their interior line and Whitehair at worst will provide even more depth in 2016 as he develops, with the upside to start at any interior position from Day 1.